Perhaps the most often asked question from our clients about Europe river cruising is “What is the best Europe River Cruise Line? It is almost always followed by: Why is it the best?

So, I googled best Europe river cruise company and got some really interesting results. The results were all over the place—incomplete lists, reader polls, cruise critic best list(s), and two good river cruise authorities who have some well-reasoned lists.

Why such varied results? I just don’t think you can factor a best list without categories. I also think you have to look for how objective these lists are—the source, their qualifications to review river cruise lines and their reasons to rank on line over another.

Another key factor, in my opinion, is that all river cruises are good vacations and how valid is a best company list?—Does it have any real meaning?

Here is a key fact to support that argument—all of the 8 major lines I cover have good accommodations, free Wi-Fi, wine & beer with lunch and dinner, limited entertainment and tours included in their base fare.

At the very least, all river cruise companies are on par with premium ocean cruise companies and with a few exceptions include more than the ocean cruise lines. And, when you read my top 10 list below, you will see each of the 8 major lines I cover has at least one win somewhere on my list.

Have you ever wonder what you should consider when planning a Europe River Cruise? I promise you, there is little clear cut information what you should consider to get the best possible river cruise that is right for you.

I tried a Google search but the results were not what I was looking for—some offered tips, some results went to destinations or rivers, then maybe companies.

We pride ourselves in making planning an art form—so let us provide you a step by step guide to ensure you will get the best possible river cruise for your vacation.

Or, better yet let us plan it for you—we are the experts to advise you of the right match for your trip. So how do we do it—we ask a lot of questions by having you tell us what is important to you.

I am amazed at how much the Europe river cruise industry has changed when I originally wrote only a little less than 2 years ago. Since 2009, I have studied Europe River cruising to learn all I could about the river cruise industry. A few industry experts have tried to make comprehensive comparisons of the different lines. Each has a slightly different approach.

We have taken a unique approach by creating a PowerPoint presentation. Our 86 slide 2019 Comparison Guide is very good but even that lacks one factor—the vibe of the line and its ships.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vibe as “the feeling that someone or something gives you.” Basically, for this blog, it is the atmosphere, the conditions, the emotional connection you can expect on each line if you were to cruise on that line.

So, here goes—my evaluation of the vibe or feeling you will get on these 8 river cruise lines.